Tools, dies, and fixtures enable machines to manufacture a variety of products we use daily - from clothing and furniture to heavy equipment and parts for aircraft. Precision tools are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. Jigs and fixtures are devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled. Dies are metal forms that are used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. Job shops specializing in tools, die, and fixtures may also make metal molds for diecasting and for molding plastics, ceramics, and composite materials. In addition to developing, designing and producing new tools and dies, these companies also may repair worn or damaged tools, dies, gauges, jigs, and fixtures.
KEYWORDS for this process: toolers